Senior Architect / AOR

About This Role

Job Description What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

The Senior Architect / Architect of Record (AOR) will serve as a central technical authority for architectural delivery across Middle East. This role ensures design compliance, oversees regulatory submissions, leads interdisciplinary coordination, and represents the project to local authorities. You will act as the technical backbone of the design team—responsible for safeguarding design intent throughout all stages and ensuring full statutory compliance.

Responsibilities Design & Technical Leadership

• Lead and manage architectural design development from concept through IFC, ensuring compliance with project requirements and UAE design codes.
• Review, validate, and sign off architectural deliverables as AOR, ensuring alignment with Abu Dhabi authorities.
• Oversee production of drawings, specifications, BIM models, and technical documentation in coordination with multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide technical guidance on materials, detailing, buildability, and construction methodologies.
• Ensure architectural submissions reflect accurate authority standards, checklists, and permitting requirements.

Authority Liaison & Compliance (AOR Core)

• Act as primary liaison with Abu Dhabi authorities for design approvals, NOCs, building permits, and regulatory inspections.
• Respond to authority queries, coordinate revisions, and manage compliance pathways through each project stage.
• Prepare and review regulatory documentation, design compliance reports, and authority checklists.

Project Coordination & Delivery

• Lead architectural coordination with structural, MEP, landscape, sustainability, and specialist teams to ensure fully integrated design delivery.
• Review contractor submittals, shop drawings, material approvals, and RFIs; ensure site execution aligns with approved IFC packages.
• Conduct regular site inspections to monitor architectural quality, compliance, finishes, and design integrity.
• Identify risks, flag technical issues, and support resolution in collaboration with the PM team.

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Attend coordination meetings, authority workshops, and client presentations.
• Prepare technical reports, compliance logs, and progress updates for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain strong working relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and government bodies.

Quality, Standards & Governance

• Ensure designs follow WSP’s QA/QC processes, technical standards, and digital protocols.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives such as design libraries, standard details, and best practices in line with existing Architect templates.
• Uphold ethical, safety, sustainability, and procedural standards across design outputs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Architecture from a recognized university.
• Professional registration (RIBA, AIA, ARB, or UAE SAE) preferred.
• 10+ years of architectural design and delivery experience, including at least 5 years in Middle East.
• Demonstrated experience as Architect of Record (AOR) or equivalent authority-facing role.
• Advanced proficiency in Revit, BIM workflows, AutoCAD, and related design platforms.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to manage deadlines, lead technical discussions, and mentor junior staff.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.